We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and fantastic holiday weekend! In today’s edition of the Buffalo Bills daily links, we begin to preview Buffalo’s (11-3) trip to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots (6-8) on Monday Night Football. We break down the strengths and weaknesses of this week’s opponents, the Patriots, who for the first time since the 2008 season will not be in the playoffs.
We also identify five Bills and five Patriots players to watch, go behind the scenes to learn how offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has helped fuel quarterback Josh Allen’s development into a budding star, examine wide receiver Cole Beasley’s career year, discuss how dangerous the Bills’ defense could be with a fully healthy Matt Milano for the playoffs, explore how cornerback Tre’Davious White is already living up to the contract extension he signed this offseason, get the latest injury news on White, wide receiver Stefon Diggs and tackles Daryl Williams and Ty Nsekhe, discover how the Bills were in a giving mood this holiday season, and much more!
Previewing the Patriots
X’s and O’s: Patriots have a heavy lift, starting with QB, after season | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“If this were any other franchise, we’d be saying the New England Patriots are staring at two years, probably three, before they’re relevant again,” writes Mark Gaughan.
Cam Newton won’t be surprised if Josh Allen wins MVP, roots for Bills QB - newyorkupstate.com
Allen’s current MVP odds are 9/1 to win the NFL MVP award, behind Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers.
How will the Bills fare against New England on Monday Night Football? | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Members of the Buffalo News’ sports staff present their picks for the Buffalo Bills’ trip to Gillette Stadium to take on the New England Patriots on Monday night.
Daboll Helps Allen’s Ascent, Beasley’s Career Season, Milano Looking Healthy
Brian Daboll has taken Josh Allen, Bills to next level – The Athletic
Josh Allen’s ascension into the top tier of NFL quarterbacks has a lot to do with what Daboll has brought to this offense. (Subscription required).
Cole Beasley enjoying a career season for the Bills - Democrat & Chronicle
Beasley didn’t earn a Pro Bowl berth, but he’s been nearly as important to the offense as Stefon Diggs.
Bills hope Matt Milano can return in full for playoffs - Democrat & Chronicle
Bills’ defense would get big boost if Matt Milano can return to full-time duty.
Tre White fulfilling Bills’ expectations – as usual – in wake of new contract | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Great expectations don’t seem to be a burden on Tre’Davious White.
Jake Kumerow Released, Injury Updates
Bills release Kumerow; tackles dealing with groin injuries - WGR 550
The Buffalo Bills have released wide receiver Jake Kumerow and their top two tackles are dealing with groin injuries as they prepare for Monday Night’s game at the Patriots.
Bills release WR Jake Kumerow, clearing the way for team to activate John Brown - newyorkupstate.com
Kumerow caught a touchdown pass from Josh Allen in Buffalo’s Week 15 win over Broncos.
Bills’ injury update: Diggs, White practice fully; Roberts, Williams limited | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs and cornerback Tre’Davious White were full practice participants Thursday on the team’s first injury report of the week.
Bills in a Giving Spirit
Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, Bills WRs present coach Chad Hall with amazing Christmas gift (Watch) - newyorkupstate.com
Chad Hall is going to have one of the best rides at One Bills Drive.
Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, Bills WRs present coach Chad Hall with amazing Christmas gift (Watch) - syracuse.com
Chad Hall received an awesome present from the wide receiver group.
Bills players gift WR Coach Chad Hall with a new truck | News 4 Buffalo
The wide receivers on the Buffalo Bills have a lot to be thankful for this Christmas. And now, they’re giving back. Isaiah McKenzie posted a video on Instagram today of wide receivers coach Chad Hall receiving a brand-new truck.
Inside the Bills: What Josh Allen gave to his offensive linemen for Christmas | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Josh Allen gave his offensive linemen a Christmas gift he hopes they don’t plan on using any time soon.
How the Bills are giving back this holiday season - BuffaloBills.com
The wide receiver group donated to a single father who has fostered more than 30 kids, Ed Oliver hosted a toy drive, Dion Dawkins held a meal and giveaway event, Micah Hyde gave 100 kids shoes and several other ways the Bills are giving back.
The Buffalo Bills Sing “12 Days of Christmas” - BuffaloBills.co,
“IT’S BACK: The Twelve Days of Christmas feat. Coach McDermott, Josh Allen, Tre’Davious White, and the 2020 Buffalo Bills. A new Bills Holiday Classic!”
Odds and Ends
Bills Today | Brett Favre gives Brian Daboll his endorsement - BuffaloBills.com
Here are three things to know about the Bills for Saturday, Dec. 26.
Buffalo Bills Thursday Thought: The Transformation of A.J. Epenesa - Buffalo Fanatics - Buffalo Bills
A.J. Epenesa has had to transform his body significantly since being drafted by the Buffalo Bills, which may explain his slow start in 2020.
Buffalo Bills 2020 Vision: Is Dawson Knox the Next Pete Metzelaars? - Buffalo Fanatics - Buffalo Bills
Comparing Buffalo’s current starting tight end to the tight end from the Super Bowl Bills.
Featured on Buffalo Rumblings
Four Downs: Josh Allen continues to make a case for NFL MVP - Buffalo Rumblings
Could Allen surpass Mahomes and Rodgers?
Five Buffalo Bills to watch against the New England Patriots - Buffalo Rumblings
Just another meaningless December game between Buffalo and New England...
Five New England Patriots to watch against the Buffalo Bills - Buffalo Rumblings
The Pats are the ones playing out the string this time around.
AFC Playoff Picture: Buffalo Bills Rooting Interests, Week 16 - Buffalo Rumblings
The Bills can clinch the two seed this weekend.
Circling the Wagons: ‘Twas the Night Before Playoffs - Buffalo Rumblings
“With Kim in her Zubaz and Terry in his Bills cap....”
The Speed Option: New England Patriots part deux - Buffalo Rumblings
The Bills head to Foxborough to take on the Pats as they look to lock up the two seed.
Buff Hub: Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots preview with Steve Mathes (Buffalo Fanatics) - Buffalo Rumblings
AFC East Champion Buffalo Bills vs the New England Patriots.
Buffalo Bills release Jake Kumerow from active roster - Buffalo Rumblings
He caught a touchdown pass less than a week ago.